An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a vat with multiple chambers and at least one of the chambers is a resin chamber configured to receive a radiant-energy-curable resin. A build surface is defined by the resin chamber within the vat, wherein at least a portion of the build surface is transparent. The additive manufacturing apparatus includes a stage that is positioned facing the vat and the build surface and the stage is configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the radiant-energy-curable resin. A method is provided for operating the additive manufacturing apparatus such that successive chambers of resin are cured. While a chamber of resin is being cured, another chamber can participate in other steps such as unloading or loading of resin. Optionally a stage cleaning step can be conducted while an unloading or loading of resin is conducted in one of the resin chambers.
|
7. A method for producing a component layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes at least a first resin chamber and a second resin chamber, wherein the first resin chamber is separated from the second resin chamber by a divider, the method comprising the steps of:
performing a first curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the first chamber is cured to form a first cured layer;
moving the divider such that the second resin chamber is in the build zone; and
performing a second curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the second chamber is cured to form a second cured layer.
10. A method for producing a component layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes at least a first resin chamber and a second resin chamber, comprising the steps of:
performing a first curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the first chamber is cured to form a first cured layer;
moving a movement mechanism to move the chambers, wherein movement of the movement mechanism initiates a wiping step that operates to clean the build surface;
moving the chambers such that the second resin chamber is in the build zone; and
performing a second curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the second chamber is cured to form a second cured layer.
1. A method for producing a component layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes at least a first resin chamber and a second resin chamber, comprising the steps of:
performing a first curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the first chamber is cured to form a first cured layer;
moving the chambers such that the second resin chamber is in the build zone;
performing a second curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the second chamber is cured to form a second cured layer;
moving the chambers such that the first resin chamber is in the build zone for at least a second time; and
performing a curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the first chamber is cured to form a third cured layer;
moving the first chamber to an unload zone prior to moving the first chamber into the build zone for the at least a second time.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
|
This invention relates generally to additive manufacturing, and more particularly to methods for curable material handling in additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing is a process in which material is built up piece-by-piece, line-by-line, or layer-by-layer to form a component. Stereolithography is a type of additive manufacturing process which employs a vat of liquid radiant-energy curable photopolymer “resin” and a curing energy source such as a laser. Similarly, DLP 3D printing employs a two-dimensional image projector to build components one layer at a time. For each layer, the projector flashes a radiation image of the cross-section of the component on the surface of the liquid or through a transparent object which defines a constrained surface of the resin. Exposure to the radiation cures and solidifies the pattern in the resin and joins it to a previously-cured layer or to another build surface.
In curing the photopolymer resin, it is preferable to have a clean supply of material for each layer. Old resin may contain cured products such as supports that have broken off of the part or other external contamination. In a vat-based process, this contamination or the contaminated material can cure into the component, resulting in undesirable geometry, or otherwise disrupt the build process and damage the final part.
At least one of these problems is addressed by an additive manufacturing method in which a radiant-energy-curable resin is deposited and cured in a vat that is configured to have multiple chambers for resin.
According to one aspect of the technology described herein, an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes a vat. The vat includes multiple chambers and at least one of the chambers is a resin chamber that is configured to receive a radiant-energy-curable resin. A build surface is defined by the resin chamber within the vat, wherein at least a portion of the build surface is transparent. The additive manufacturing apparatus includes a stage that is positioned facing the vat and the build surface and the stage is configured to hold a stacked arrangement of one or more cured layers of the radiant-energy-curable resin. A method is provided for operating the additive manufacturing apparatus such that successive chambers of resin are cured. While a chamber of resin is being cured, another chamber can participate in other steps such as unloading or loading of resin. Optionally a stage cleaning step can be conducted while an unloading or loading of resin is conducted in one of the resin chambers.
According to another aspect of the technology described herein, there is provided a method for producing a component layer-by-layer using an additive manufacturing apparatus that includes at least a first resin chamber and a second resin chamber. The method includes the steps of: performing a first curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the first chamber is cured; moving the chambers such that the second resin chamber is in the build zone; and performing a second curing step such that a layer of uncured radiant-energy-curable resin within the second chamber is cured.
The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:
Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,
Referring now to
The floor 212 defines a build surface 226 within each of the chambers 222. For purposes of convenient description, each build surface 226 may be considered to be oriented parallel to an X-Y plane of the apparatus 10, and a direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane is denoted as a Z-direction (X, Y, and Z being three mutually perpendicular directions).
The build surfaces 226 may be configured to be “non-stick”, that is, resistant to adhesion of cured resin. The non-stick properties may be embodied by a combination of variables such as the chemistry of the floor 212, its surface finish, and/or applied coatings. In one example, a permanent or semi-permanent non-stick coating may be applied. One non-limiting example of a suitable coating is polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”). In one example, all or portions of the build surfaces 226 of vat 210 may incorporate a controlled roughness or surface texture (e.g. protrusions, dimples, grooves, ridges, etc.) with nonstick properties. In one example, the floor 212 may be made in whole or in part from an oxygen-permeable material.
The vat 210, or selected portions of it, are transparent. As used herein, “transparent” refers to a material which allows radiant energy of a selected wavelength to pass through. For example, as described below, the radiant energy used for curing could be ultraviolet light or laser light in the visible spectrum. Nonlimiting examples of transparent materials include polymers, glass, and crystalline minerals such as sapphire or quartz. The vat 210 could be made up of two or more subcomponents, at least some of which are transparent.
Referring again to
Collectively, at least one of the chambers 222 together with the radiant energy apparatus 18 define a “build zone” 31. Another chamber 222 and an unloader 91 define an unload zone 92. Another chamber 222 and the material depositor 16 can define a fill or load zone 94 as shown in
Some means are provided for moving the vat 210 relative to the stage 14 parallel to the Z-direction. In
The material depositor 16 may be any device or combination of devices which is operable to introduce a layer of resin R into the chamber 222 that is positioned within the fill zone. The material depositor 16 may optionally include a device or combination of devices to define a height in the resin and/or to level the resin R. Nonlimiting examples of suitable material deposition devices include chutes, hoppers, pumps, spray nozzles, spray bars, or printheads (e.g. inkjets).
In the example shown in
The radiant energy apparatus 18 may comprise any device or combination of devices operable to generate and project radiant energy on the resin R in a suitable pattern and with a suitable energy level and other operating characteristics to cure the resin R during the build process, described in more detail below.
In one exemplary embodiment as shown in
The radiant energy source 50 may comprise any device operable to generate a beam of suitable energy level and frequency characteristics to cure the resin R. In the illustrated example, the radiant energy source 50 comprises a UV flash lamp.
The image forming apparatus 52 may include one or more mirrors, prisms, and/or lenses and is provided with suitable actuators, and arranged so that the source beam 54 from the radiant energy source 50 can be transformed into a pixelated image in an X-Y plane coincident with the surface of the resin R. In the illustrated example, the image forming apparatus 10 may be a digital micromirror device. For example, the projector 48 may be a commercially-available Digital Light Processing (“DLP”) projector.
As an option, the projector 48 may incorporate additional means such as actuators, mirrors, etc. configured to selectively move the image forming apparatus 52 or other parts of the projector 48, with the effect of rastering or shifting the location of the patterned image 56 on the build surface 226. Stated another way, the patterned image 56 may be moved away from a nominal or starting location. This permits a single image forming apparatus 52 to be used to project images appropriate to each given layer. For example, to cover a larger build area or to better align the edges of subsequent layers. Means for rastering or shifting the patterned image from the image forming apparatus 52 are commercially available. This type of image projection may be referred to herein as a “tiled image”.
In another exemplary embodiment as shown in
The radiant energy source 62 may comprise any device operable to generate a beam of suitable power and other operating characteristics to cure the resin R. Nonlimiting examples of suitable radiant energy sources include lasers or electron beam guns.
The beam steering apparatus 10 may include one or more mirrors, prisms, and/or lenses and may be provided with suitable actuators, and arranged so that the beam 66 from the radiant energy source 62 can be focused to a desired spot size and steered to a desired position in plane coincident with the surface of the resin R. The beam 66 may be referred to herein as a “build beam”. Other types of scanned beam apparatus may be used. For example, scanned beam sources using multiple build beams are known, as are scanned beam sources in which the radiant energy source itself is movable by way of one or more actuators.
The turntable 20 is configured to rotate the vat 210 such that at least a portion of the vat 210 is within the build zone 31. The turntable 20 includes a platter 22 that is configured to receive the vat 210. The platter 22 is sufficiently transparent such that radiant energy can pass through it to cure the resin R. The platter 22 is mechanically linked to a motor 24 by a shaft 26. The motor 26 is configured to move such that the platter 22 rotates. In this manner, the vat 210 can be rotated beneath the stage 14 such that a curing chamber 222 can be positioned in the build zone 31 or removed from the build zone 31 as will be discussed further below.
The apparatus 10 may include a controller 68. The controller 68 in
Optionally, the components of the apparatus 10 may be surrounded by a housing 70, which may be used to provide a shielding or inert gas atmosphere using gas ports 72. Optionally, pressure within the enclosure could be maintained at a desired level greater than or less than atmospheric. Optionally, the enclosure 70 could be temperature and/or humidity controlled. Optionally, ventilation of the enclosure 70 could be controlled based on factors such as a time interval, temperature, humidity, and/or chemical species concentration.
The resin R comprises a material which is radiant-energy curable and which is capable of adhering or binding together the filler (if used) in the cured state. As used herein, the term “radiant-energy curable” refers to any material which solidifies in response to the application of radiant energy of a particular frequency and energy level. For example, the resin R may comprise a known type of photopolymer resin containing photo-initiator compounds functioning to trigger a polymerization reaction, causing the resin to change from a liquid state to a solid state. Alternatively, the resin R may comprise a material which contains a solvent that may be evaporated out by the application of radiant energy.
Generally, the resin R should be flowable so that it can be leveled within the vat 210. The composition of the resin R may be selected as desired to suit a particular application. Mixtures of different compositions may be used. A suitable resin R can have a lower viscosity such that it flows easily and is quickly self-leveling. It should be appreciated that the resin R can be filled.
The resin R may be selected to have the ability to out-gas or burn off during further processing, such as the sintering process described below.
If a filler is used, it may be pre-mixed with resin R, then loaded into the material depositor 16. The filler comprises particles, which are conventionally defined as “a very small bit of matter”. The filler may comprise any material which is chemically and physically compatible with the selected resin R. The particles may be regular or irregular in shape, may be uniform or non-uniform in size, and may have variable aspect ratios. For example, the particles may take the form of powder, of small spheres or granules, or may be shaped like small rods or fibers.
The composition of the filler, including its chemistry and microstructure, may be selected as desired to suit a particular application. For example, the filler may be metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and/or organic. Other examples of potential fillers include diamond, silicon, and graphite. Mixtures of different compositions may be used.
The filler may be “fusible”, meaning it is capable of consolidation into a mass upon via application of sufficient energy. For example, fusibility is a characteristic of many available polymeric, ceramic, glass, and metallic powders.
The proportion of filler to resin R may be selected to suit a particular application. Generally, any amount of filler may be used so long as the combined material is capable of flowing and being leveled, and there is sufficient resin R to hold together the particles of the filler in the cured state.
Examples of the operation of the apparatus 10 will now be described in detail. It will be understood that, as a precursor to producing a component and using the apparatus 10, the component 74 is software modeled as a stack of planar layers arrayed along the Z-axis. Depending on the type of curing method used, each layer may be divided into a grid of pixels. The actual component 74 may be modeled and/or manufactured as a stack of dozens or hundreds of layers. Suitable software modeling processes are known in the art.
The material depositor 16 can be used to fill a selected one of the chambers 222 of the vat 210 with the curable resin R. Alternatively, multiple chambers 222 can be filled in this step. In the example shown in
After the material is deposited, i.e., at least one chamber 222 is filled, the turntable 20 is operated to move the filled chamber from the load zone 94 to the build zone 31. Alternatively, multiple chambers 222 can be moved into the build zone 31 such that resin contained within the multiple chambers 222 can be simultaneously exposed to curing energy. A curing step is executed as follows: the apparatus 10 is positioned to define a selected layer increment within the chamber 222. The layer increment is defined by some combination of the thickness of the resin R that is applied by the material depositor 16, or the operation of the stage 14, or some combination thereof. For example, the stage 14 could be positioned such that the upper surface 30 is just touching the applied resin R. The layer increment affects the speed of the additive manufacturing process and the resolution of the component 74. The layer increment can be variable, with a larger layer increment being used to speed the process in portions of a component 74 not requiring high accuracy, and a smaller layer increment being used where higher accuracy is required, at the expense of process speed.
Once the layer increment has been defined, the radiant energy apparatus 18 is used to cure a cross-section or layer of the component 74 being built. In this manner a first cured layer is created. A second cured layer, a third cured layer and additional cured layers can be created through the operational steps described below.
Where a projector 48 is used, the projector 48 projects a patterned image 56 representative of a cross-section of the component 74 through the floor 212 of the vat 210 to the resin R. Exposure to the radiant energy cures and solidifies the pattern in the resin R. This type of curing is referred to herein as “selective” curing. It will be understood that photopolymers undergo degrees of curing. In many cases, the radiant energy apparatus 18 would not fully cure the resin R. Rather, it would partially cure the resin R enough to “gel” and then a post-cure process (described below) would cure the resin R to whatever completeness it can reach. It will also be understood that, when a multi-layer component is made using this type of resin R, the energy output of the radiant energy apparatus 18 may be carefully selected to partially cure or “under-cure” a previous layer, with the expectation that when the subsequent layer is applied, the energy from that next layer will further the curing of the previous layer. In the process described herein, the term “curing” or “cured” may be used to refer to partially-cured or completely-cured resin R. During the curing process, radiant energy may be supplied to a given layer in multiple steps (e.g. multiple flashes) and also may be supplied in multiple different patterns for a given layer. This allows different amounts of energy to be applied to different parts of a layer.
Once curing of the first layer is complete, the stage 14 is separated from the vat 210, for example by raising the stage 14 using the actuator 32. It is noted that stage 14 and the vat 210 do not necessarily have to remain parallel during the separation procedure. For example, the vat 210 could rotate (e.g. using of a pinned joint or a flexure) or through small-scale deformations of the vat 210. This flexing or rotation could be helpful in separating cured resin from the vat 210.
Conventional alignment means (pins, guides, etc.—not shown) may be provided to ensure repeatable positioning of the vat 210 within the build zone and/or in a loading or cleaning area outside of the build zone 31.
Where a scanned beam apparatus is used instead of a projector, the radiant energy source 68 emits a beam 66 and the beam steering apparatus 70 is used to cure the resin R by steering a focal spot of the build beam 66 over the exposed resin R in an appropriate pattern. The radiant energy source 68 again emits a build beam 66 and the beam steering apparatus 70 is used to steer the focal spot of the build beam 66 over the exposed resin R in an appropriate pattern. The exposed layer of the resin R is exposed to the radiant energy which selectively cures resin R as described above, and joins it to the previously-cured layer above. This cycle of incrementing a layer, applying resin R, and then selectively curing is repeated until the entire workpiece 74 is complete.
Optionally, a scanned beam apparatus may be used in combination with a projector. For example, a scanned beam apparatus may be used to apply radiant energy (in addition to that applied by the projector) by scanning one or multiple beams over the build surface 26. This may be concurrent or sequential with the use of the projector.
The accuracy of either process, defined as the smallest component feature size which can be produced, is limited mainly by the resolution of the projector 48 or the scanned beam apparatus 60. The accuracy is also influenced by the optical properties of the resin including how deeply light may penetrate and how light is scattered, which can be a function of the amount of filler used and the properties of the filler.
Any of the curing methods described above results in a component 74 in which the filler (if used) is held in a solid shape by the cured resin R. This component may be usable as an end product for some conditions. Subsequent to the curing step, the component 74 may be removed from the stage 14.
If the end product is intended to be composed of the filler (e.g. to be purely ceramic, glass, metallic, diamond, silicon, graphite, etc., the component 74 may be treated to a conventional sintering process to burn out the resin R and to consolidate the remaining particles. Optionally, a known infiltration process may be carried out during or after the sintering process, in order to fill voids in the component with a material having a lower melting temperature than the filler. The infiltration process improves component physical properties.
The turntable 20 can be operated such that the chamber 222 that is within the build zone 31 is moved to the unload zone 92 (and simultaneously, another chamber 222 is moved into the build zone 31). Then the used resin R is removed from the chamber 222 within the unload zone 92 by suitable apparatus such as a pump 93. The used resin R can be cleaned by filtering or other means and returned to the apparatus 10 to be reused. The turntable 20 is then operated to progress the chamber 222 from the unload zone 92 to the load zone 94.
As shown in
Referring now to
Within the receptacle 421, the floor 412 is configured with two or more different levels, such that the receptacle includes a working area 423 and a sump 425. Within the working area 423, the floor 412 defines a build surface 426. Together with the apparatus 18, the build surface 426 can define a build zone 431. As shown in
The working area 423 has a first depth relative to the top edge 414 of the perimeter wall 413. The sump 425 that has a second depth relative to the top edge 414. The second depth is greater than the first depth. The sump 425 is configured to receive solids such as cured resin and other debris that are swept into it, as will be described below. In the illustrated example, the sump 425 occupies one-quarter of the circular area of the receptacle.
A divider 430 is positioned within the receptacle 421. It includes a central hub 434 mounted for rotation about the post 415, and arms 432 radiating from the central hub 434. Four arms 432 are shown in this example. As see in
The arms 432 functionally divide the receptacle 421 into a plurality of chambers 422. The chambers 422 are generally analogous to the chambers 222 except that the shape and volume of the chambers 422 are determined by where they are positioned within the receptacle 421. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the arms 432 are not evenly distributed about the hub 434.
When a chamber 422 is entirely in the build zone 431 of the receptacle 421, the depth of that chamber 422 is equal to the depth of the build zone 431. When a chamber 422 is entirely in the sump area 425, the depth of that chamber 422 is defined by the depth of the sump area 425.
Proceeding in a clockwise direction in
The vat 410 can be better understood by a description of the operation thereof. Resin R contained within the chamber 422 in the build zone 431 is cured in a curing step as described above. After completion of a layer, the divider 430 is rotated. The divider 430 is configured to pass over floor 412 such that debris is removed therefrom. Thus, rotating the divider 430 causes an arm 432 to sweep debris from the build zone 431 into the sump 425. The debris falls to the bottom of the sump 425 and is retained there until unloaded during an unloading step. An unloading step can occur for each curing step or can occur once per multiple curing steps.
Resin R is added to the load zone 456 in a loading step. It should be appreciated that a different resin R can be loaded into adjacent chambers 422. Such a method would result in adjacent layers containing different material, i.e., multi-material between layers. The loading step can occur concurrently with a curing step and an unloading step. Clean and ready to use resin is contained within the ready zone 458. Rotation of the divider 430 brings this clean resin into the build zone 431 for use during a subsequent curing step.
In an alternative embodiment, see in
The stage cleaning process may be used for the purpose of removing resin R that did not cure or resin R that did not cure enough to gel during the selective curing step described above. For example, it might be desired to clean the component 74 and/or the stage 14 to ensure that no additional material or material contamination is present in the final component 74. For example, cleaning could be done by contacting the component 74 and/or the stage 14 with the cleaning fluid such as a liquid detergent or solvent.
The operation of the vat 610 can be better understood through the following exemplary sequence of alternating curing steps and stage cleaning steps. The curing steps and the stage cleaning steps occur in the build zone 631. The turntable 20 is operated to position a predetermined chamber 622, 624, 626, and 628 in the build zone 631 by the turntable 20 in accordance with instructions from the controller 68.
During each curing step, a predetermined one of the chambers 622, 624, and 626 is positioned in the build zone 631. During each cleaning step, the cleaning chamber 628 is positioned in the build zone 631. Parallel loading and unloading operations can be conducted of the chambers 622, 624, and 626 in the appropriate loading or unloading zone. It should be appreciated that one cleaning chamber 628 in a vat 610 is an efficient use of materials and equipment. However, such a configuration can result in operational inefficiencies such as the inability to conduct parallel loading and unloading operations in some cleaning and/or curing steps. Therefore vats 610 can be provided where a cleaning chamber 628 is positioned between adjacent chambers 622, 624, and 626 as shown in
During a stage cleaning step, the stage 14 would then be lowered to bring the component 74 into contact with the cleaning fluid. Upon completion of the cleaning cycle, the stage 14 would then be raised to move the component 74 clear of the cleaning chamber 628.
Optionally, the cleaning process may include the introduction of some type of relative motion between the cleaning fluid 697 and the component 74.
Optionally, the cleaning process can include a “drying” step in which air nozzles 392 (
The method described herein has several advantages over the prior art. In particular, it eliminates a major pathway for build failures in vat-based photopolymerization. It also potentially has lower cost, less material waste, and higher process speed compared to prior art tape casting methods.
The foregoing has described a method and apparatus for additive manufacturing. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
11225017, | Jul 24 2018 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Three-dimensional object shaping apparatus and method |
11498268, | Mar 04 2019 | PhotoCentriC Limited | Method of making 3D printed objects by dispensing sequential layers of material |
11931953, | Apr 24 2020 | SprintRay Inc. | Apparatus and method for three-dimensional printing |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
4575330, | Aug 08 1984 | 3D Systems, Inc | Apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography |
4752498, | Mar 02 1987 | Method and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by photosolidification | |
5026146, | Apr 03 1989 | Melles Griot, Inc | System for rapidly producing plastic parts |
5031120, | Dec 23 1987 | Objet Geometries LTD | Three dimensional modelling apparatus |
5088047, | Oct 16 1989 | Automated manufacturing system using thin sections | |
5096530, | Jun 28 1990 | 3D SYSTEMS, INC , A CORP OF CA | Resin film recoating method and apparatus |
5104592, | Apr 18 1988 | 3D, SYSTEMS, INC | Method of and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography with reduced curl |
5126529, | Dec 03 1990 | Method and apparatus for fabrication of three-dimensional articles by thermal spray deposition | |
5143663, | Jun 12 1989 | 3D SYSTEMS, INC , A CORP OF CA | Stereolithography method and apparatus |
5171490, | Nov 29 1988 | Method and apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by irradiation of photopolymers | |
5174931, | Sep 26 1988 | 3D Systems, Inc | Method of and apparatus for making a three-dimensional product by stereolithography |
5182055, | Apr 18 1988 | 3D Systems, Inc | Method of making a three-dimensional object by stereolithography |
5192559, | Sep 27 1990 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for building three-dimensional objects with sheets |
5203944, | Oct 10 1991 | Method for fabrication of three-dimensional articles by thermal spray deposition using masks as support structures | |
5204055, | Dec 08 1989 | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, A CORP OF MA | Three-dimensional printing techniques |
5207371, | Jul 29 1991 | Method and apparatus for fabrication of three-dimensional metal articles by weld deposition | |
5258146, | Sep 26 1988 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Method of and apparatus for measuring and controlling fluid level in stereolithography |
5340656, | Dec 08 1989 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Three-dimensional printing techniques |
5352405, | Dec 18 1992 | 3D Systems, Inc | Thermal control of selective laser sintering via control of the laser scan |
5387380, | Dec 08 1989 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Three-dimensional printing techniques |
5432045, | May 28 1992 | NTT DATA CMET INC | Photo-solidification modeling apparatus and photo-solidification modeling method having an improved recoating process |
5447822, | Sep 28 1989 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Apparatus and related method for forming a substantially flat stereolithographic working surface |
5454069, | Aug 25 1992 | University of Kentucky Research Foundation | Process for converting serial image to the sterolithography apparatus (SLA) slice file with automatic base and support generation |
5496682, | Oct 15 1993 | W R GRACE & CO -CONN | Three dimensional sintered inorganic structures using photopolymerization |
5573721, | Feb 16 1995 | Hercules Incorporated | Use of a support liquid to manufacture three-dimensional objects |
5626919, | Mar 01 1990 | DSM DESOTECH, INC | Solid imaging apparatus and method with coating station |
5650260, | Oct 14 1993 | Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for fabricating three-dimensional object |
5660621, | Dec 29 1995 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Binder composition for use in three dimensional printing |
5665401, | Apr 25 1995 | 3D Systems, Inc | Apparatus for producing an object using stereolithography |
5697043, | May 23 1996 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Method of freeform fabrication by selective gelation of powder suspensions |
5718279, | Nov 09 1995 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Method for laminate forming a sand mould and a method for producing a casting using the same |
5807437, | Dec 08 1989 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Three dimensional printing system |
5851465, | Dec 29 1995 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Binder composition for use in three dimensional printing |
5940674, | Apr 09 1997 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Three-dimensional product manufacture using masks |
5985204, | Apr 25 1997 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kasiha | Method for producing laminated object |
6051179, | Mar 19 1997 | HAGENAU, MR WILLIAM R ; GULF FILTRATION SYSTEMS, INC ; HAGENAU, WILLIAM R | Apparatus and method for production of three-dimensional models by spatial light modulator |
6146567, | Feb 18 1993 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Three dimensional printing methods |
6193923, | Sep 27 1995 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Selective deposition modeling method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects and supports |
6200646, | Aug 25 1999 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc | Method for forming polymeric patterns, relief images and colored polymeric bodies using digital light processing technology |
6206672, | Mar 31 1994 | Edward P., Grenda | Apparatus of fabricating 3 dimensional objects by means of electrophotography, ionography or a similar process |
6363606, | Oct 16 1998 | Bell Semiconductor, LLC | Process for forming integrated structures using three dimensional printing techniques |
6376148, | Jan 17 2001 | Nanotek Instruments Group, LLC | Layer manufacturing using electrostatic imaging and lamination |
6401002, | Apr 29 1999 | Nanotek Instruments Group, LLC | Layer manufacturing apparatus and process |
6403002, | May 14 1997 | 3D Systems, Inc | Method and device for producing a shaped body |
6436520, | Sep 01 1999 | Toda Kogyo Corporation | Magnetic display device |
6471800, | Nov 29 2000 | Nanotek Instruments Group, LLC | Layer-additive method and apparatus for freeform fabrication of 3-D objects |
6500378, | Jul 13 2000 | STRATASYS LTD | Method and apparatus for creating three-dimensional objects by cross-sectional lithography |
6596224, | May 24 1996 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Jetting layers of powder and the formation of fine powder beds thereby |
6780368, | Apr 10 2001 | Nanotek Instruments Group, LLC | Layer manufacturing of a multi-material or multi-color 3-D object using electrostatic imaging and lamination |
6838035, | Oct 08 1999 | Voxeljet Technology GmbH | Rapid-prototyping method and apparatus |
6850334, | Jan 18 2000 | STRATASYS LTD | System and method for three dimensional model printing |
6896839, | Feb 07 2001 | Minolta Co., Ltd. | Three-dimensional molding apparatus and three-dimensional molding method |
6930144, | Jun 24 2003 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Cement system including a binder for use in freeform fabrication |
6966960, | May 07 2003 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Fusible water-soluble films for fabricating three-dimensional objects |
6986654, | Jul 03 2002 | Theken Spine, LLC | Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing |
7008209, | Jul 03 2002 | Theken Spine, LLC | Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing |
7034246, | Aug 10 2004 | The Boeing Company; Boeing Company, the | Selective laser sintering reduced volume feed mechanism |
7052263, | Apr 20 2001 | ENVISIONTEC, INC | Apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object |
7087109, | Sep 25 2002 | 3D Systems, Inc | Three dimensional printing material system and method |
7195472, | Apr 23 2001 | ENVISIONTEC, INC | Apparatus and method for the non-destructive separation of hardened material layers from a flat construction plane |
7270528, | May 07 2002 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Flash curing in selective deposition modeling |
7300613, | May 09 2003 | FUJIFILM Corporation | Process for producing three-dimensional model, and three-dimensional model |
7455804, | Feb 15 2001 | Huntsman International LLC; 3D Systems, Inc | Three-dimensional structured printing |
7520740, | Sep 30 2005 | 3D Systems, Inc | Rapid prototyping and manufacturing system and method |
7550518, | Apr 14 2000 | 3D Systems, Inc | Methods and compositions for three-dimensional printing of solid objects |
7578958, | May 24 2001 | Huntsman International LLC; 3D Systems, Inc | Three-dimensional structured printing |
7614866, | Jan 17 2007 | 3D Systems, Inc | Solid imaging apparatus and method |
7636610, | Jul 19 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Method and device for producing a three-dimensional object, and computer and data carrier useful therefor |
7767132, | Feb 15 2001 | Huntsman International LLC; 3D Systems, Inc | Three-dimensional structured printing |
7783371, | Apr 28 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of mask exposure |
7785093, | Oct 08 2004 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Stereolithographic apparatus |
7790093, | May 10 2004 | Envisiontec GmbH | Process for the production of a three-dimensional object with resolution improvement by “pixel-shift” |
7795349, | Nov 05 1999 | 3D Systems, Inc | Material systems and methods of three-dimensional printing |
7815826, | May 12 2004 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Manufacturing process, such as three-dimensional printing, including solvent vapor filming and the like |
7867302, | Feb 22 2005 | SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC | Rapid tooling system and methods for manufacturing abrasive articles |
7892474, | Nov 15 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Continuous generative process for producing a three-dimensional object |
7894921, | Apr 28 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of mask exposure |
7896639, | May 01 2003 | Objet Geometries Ltd. | Rapid prototyping apparatus |
7946840, | Nov 22 2006 | EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPITCAL SYSTEMS | Device and method for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object |
7959847, | Jul 30 2004 | The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System | Methods for multi-material stereolithography |
8003040, | Oct 26 2007 | Envisiontec GmbH | Process and freeform fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object |
8071055, | Dec 04 2002 | NEXOM U S , INC ; NEXOM US , INC | Water treatment techniques |
8096262, | Feb 19 2004 | VOXELJET AG | Method and device for applying fluids |
8110135, | Oct 26 2007 | Envisiontec GmbH | Process and freeform fabrication system for producing a three-dimensional object |
8126580, | Apr 26 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of mask exposure |
8157908, | Dec 08 2006 | 3D Systems, Inc | Three dimensional printing material system and method using peroxide cure |
8185229, | May 26 2006 | 3D Systems, Inc | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
8211226, | Jan 15 2010 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cement-based materials system for producing ferrous castings using a three-dimensional printer |
8326024, | Apr 14 2009 | Global Filtration Systems | Method of reducing the force required to separate a solidified object from a substrate |
8444903, | Jun 05 2009 | The Boeing Company | Method of fabricating three dimensional printed part |
8475946, | Mar 20 2007 | TETHON CORPORATION | Ceramic article and method of manufacture |
8506862, | Feb 22 2007 | 3D Systems, Inc | Three dimensional printing material system and method using plasticizer-assisted sintering |
8506870, | Jun 16 2003 | ExOne GmbH | Methods of manufacturing layered three-dimensional forms |
8568649, | Mar 20 2007 | TETHON CORPORATION | Three-dimensional printer, ceramic article and method of manufacture |
8616872, | Feb 02 2010 | Sony Corporation | Three-dimensional modeling apparatus, method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object and three-dimensional object |
8623264, | Oct 20 2008 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for building up an object in layers |
8636494, | Dec 03 2002 | STRATASYS LTD | Apparatus for printing of three-dimensional objects |
8636496, | May 05 2008 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects |
8666142, | Nov 18 2008 | Global Filtration Systems; GLOBAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS, A DBA OF GULF FILTRATION SYSTEMS INC | System and method for manufacturing |
8715832, | Nov 20 2008 | VOXELJET AG | Method for the layered construction of plastic models |
8741194, | Sep 25 2000 | ExOne GmbH | Method for producing a part using a depostion technique |
8741203, | Oct 20 2008 | Technische Universitat Wien | Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for building up an object in layers |
8761918, | Jan 16 2003 | 3D Systems, Inc | Printing system for forming three dimensional objects |
8801418, | Jan 31 2011 | Global Filtration Systems; GLOBAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS, A DBA OF GULF FILTRATION SYSTEMS INC | Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials |
8815143, | Apr 28 2006 | Envisiontec GmbH | Method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of mask exposure |
8844133, | Feb 28 2008 | The Aerospace Corporation | Stereolithographic rocket motor manufacturing method |
8845316, | Jul 04 2007 | Envisiontec GmbH | Process and device for producing a three-dimensional object |
8845953, | Mar 20 2007 | TETHON CORPORATION | Three-dimensional printer, ceramic article and method of manufacture |
8876513, | Apr 25 2008 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Selective deposition modeling using CW UV LED curing |
8915728, | Jan 27 2012 | RTX CORPORATION | Multi-dimensional component build system and process |
8926304, | Nov 20 2013 | XYZPRINTING, INC.; KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC.; Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited | Three-dimensional printing apparatus |
8926879, | Jul 08 2008 | BEGO Medical GmbH | Method for the production of heavily inclined surfaces in layers |
8932511, | Mar 13 2000 | STRATASYS LTD | Method of making a composite material by three-dimensional ink-jet printing |
8968625, | Nov 26 2009 | Process for building three-dimensional objects | |
8991211, | Nov 01 2009 | The ExOne Company | Three-dimensional printing glass articles |
8998601, | May 17 2010 | DWS S R L | Stereolithography machine |
9067359, | Oct 20 2008 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Device and method for processing light-polymerizable material for building up an object in layers |
9079357, | Mar 29 2011 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Method for the layered construction of a shaped body made of highly viscous photopolymerizable material |
9101321, | Feb 11 2014 | SECOM HOLDINGS, LLC | Unique device identification through high data density structural encoding |
9120270, | Apr 27 2012 | University of Southern California | Digital mask-image-projection-based additive manufacturing that applies shearing force to detach each added layer |
9149989, | Oct 20 2005 | BEGO Medical GmbH | Particle size influencing layer-by-layer manufacturing method |
9205601, | Feb 12 2013 | CARBON, INC | Continuous liquid interphase printing |
9211678, | Feb 12 2013 | CARBON, INC | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional fabrication |
9216546, | Feb 12 2013 | CARBON, INC | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional fabrication with feed through carrier |
9233504, | Oct 29 2012 | STRATASYS, INC | Tagged build material for three-dimensional printing |
9248600, | May 28 2014 | MakerBot Industries, LLC | Build platform leveling and homing |
9259880, | Jan 27 2014 | XYZPRINTING, INC.; KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC.; Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited | Three-dimensional printing apparatus |
9327385, | Dec 30 2011 | Diamond Innovations, Inc. | Near-net cutting tool insert |
9360757, | Aug 14 2013 | CARBON, INC | Continuous liquid interphase printing |
9364848, | Sep 04 2011 | 3D Systems, Inc. | 3-D object system incorporating two materials in one layer |
9403322, | May 05 2008 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation; The Regents of the University of Michigan | Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects |
9403324, | Sep 25 2000 | ExOne GmbH | Method for producing a part using a deposition technique |
9415544, | Aug 29 2006 | 3D Systems, Inc | Wall smoothness, feature accuracy and resolution in projected images via exposure levels in solid imaging |
9429104, | Aug 01 2011 | The Aerospace Corporation | Systems and methods for casting hybrid rocket motor fuel grains |
9434107, | Jan 11 2011 | DWS S R L | Modeling plate for a stereolithography machine, stereolithography machine using said modeling plate and tool for cleaning said modeling plate |
9453142, | Jun 23 2014 | CARBON, INC | Polyurethane resins having multiple mechanisms of hardening for use in producing three-dimensional objects |
9456884, | Mar 02 2011 | BEGO Medical GmbH | Device for the generative manufacturing of three-dimensional components |
9463488, | Feb 11 2005 | VOXELJET AG | Method for applying particle material including a metering system and leveling element |
9469074, | Oct 21 2007 | VOXELJET AG | Method and device for conveying particulate material during the layer-wise production of patterns |
9487443, | Mar 14 2014 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Layer stack formation powder material, powder layer stack formation hardening liquid, layer stack formation material set, and layer stack object formation method |
9498920, | Feb 12 2013 | CARBON, INC | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional fabrication |
9511546, | Nov 10 2014 | XYZPRINTING, INC.; KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC.; Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited | Three dimensional printing apparatus |
9517591, | Sep 05 2012 | APRECIA PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC | Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly |
9517592, | Sep 05 2012 | APRECIA PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC | Three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly |
9527244, | Feb 10 2014 | Global Filtration Systems; GLOBAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS, A DBA OF GULF FILTRATION SYSTEMS INC | Apparatus and method for forming three-dimensional objects from solidifiable paste |
9529371, | Jul 10 2013 | ROLAND DG CORPORATION | Image projection system and image projection method |
9533450, | Jan 31 2011 | Global Filtration Systems | Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials |
9539762, | Mar 22 2013 | MARKFORGED, INC | 3D printing with kinematic coupling |
9545753, | Apr 20 2011 | DWS S R L | Method for producing a three-dimensional object and stereolithography machine employing said method |
9555584, | Jul 27 2012 | DWS S R L | Stereolithography machine with cartridge containing a reservoir |
9561622, | May 05 2009 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Systems and methods for fabricating three-dimensional objects |
9561623, | Jan 31 2011 | Global Filtration Systems | Method and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials |
9578695, | Mar 24 2011 | FUNDACIO EURECAT | Method and devices for solid structure formation by localized microwaves |
9579852, | Jan 30 2014 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Method for manufacturing three-dimensional shaped object |
9592635, | Jun 04 2012 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Method for the construction of a shaped body |
9604411, | May 04 2014 | EoPlex Limited | Multi-material three dimensional printer |
9632420, | Jan 09 2013 | PRODWAYS | Production of a volume object by lithography, having improved spatial resolution |
9632983, | Apr 08 2014 | ROLAND DG CORPORATION | Image projection system and image projection method |
9636873, | May 03 2012 | B9CREATIONS, LLC | Solid image apparatus with improved part separation from the image plate |
9649812, | Jan 05 2011 | VOXELJET AG | Device and method for constructing a laminar body comprising at least one position-adjustable body defining the working area |
9649815, | Apr 22 2015 | Xerox Corporation | Coating for precision rails and a system for cleaning precision rails in three-dimensional object printing systems |
9670371, | Jan 11 2013 | CERALOC INNOVATION AB | Digital thermal binder and powder printing |
9676143, | Aug 10 2006 | VOXELJET AG | Self-hardening material and process for layerwise formation of models |
9676963, | Jun 23 2014 | CARBON, INC | Methods of producing three-dimensional objects from materials having multiple mechanisms of hardening |
9682166, | Aug 11 2014 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Additive manufacturing powder and method of manufacturing the same |
9682425, | Dec 08 2009 | BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC | Coated metallic powder and method of making the same |
20080170112, | |||
20100003619, | |||
20110310370, | |||
20120195994, | |||
20140084517, | |||
20140103581, | |||
20140275317, | |||
20140319735, | |||
20140322374, | |||
20150102531, | |||
20150102532, | |||
20150140152, | |||
20150145174, | |||
20150165695, | |||
20150183168, | |||
20150210012, | |||
20150224710, | |||
20150246487, | |||
20150355553, | |||
20160031010, | |||
20160046075, | |||
20160059485, | |||
20160096332, | |||
20160107387, | |||
20160129631, | |||
20160166359, | |||
20160193785, | |||
20160214327, | |||
20160221262, | |||
20160297141, | |||
20160332386, | |||
20160361872, | |||
20160368050, | |||
20170001377, | |||
20170008234, | |||
20170008236, | |||
20170028472, | |||
20170057177, | |||
20170057178, | |||
20170066196, | |||
20170072635, | |||
20170100891, | |||
20170100893, | |||
20170100895, | |||
20170100897, | |||
20170100899, | |||
20170102679, | |||
20170113409, | |||
20170120332, | |||
20170120333, | |||
20170120334, | |||
20170120335, | |||
20170120336, | |||
20170120387, | |||
20170120518, | |||
20170120529, | |||
20170120530, | |||
20170120537, | |||
20170120538, | |||
20170123222, | |||
20170123237, | |||
20170136688, | |||
20170136708, | |||
20170165916, | |||
20170173865, | |||
20170182708, | |||
20170190120, | |||
20170197363, | |||
20170266876, | |||
20170266880, | |||
20170266890, | |||
20170291804, | |||
20170297108, | |||
20170297109, | |||
EP2505341, | |||
JP499203, | |||
JP61114817, | |||
JP61114818, | |||
JP61116322, | |||
WO2006077665, | |||
WO201045950, | |||
WO2017091913, | |||
WO201709368, | |||
WO9806560, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Jan 24 2018 | THOMPSON, MARY KATHRYN | General Electric Company | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 044741 | /0967 | |
Jan 26 2018 | General Electric Company | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Jan 26 2018 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
Apr 18 2024 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Nov 03 2023 | 4 years fee payment window open |
May 03 2024 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 03 2024 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Nov 03 2026 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Nov 03 2027 | 8 years fee payment window open |
May 03 2028 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 03 2028 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Nov 03 2030 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Nov 03 2031 | 12 years fee payment window open |
May 03 2032 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 03 2032 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Nov 03 2034 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |